Use Of Dental Floss Research Articles

Nigeria's street children, epitome of oral health disparity and inequality.

Introductionit has been close to four years since the authors highlighted the total neglect of the oral health of street children in the Journal of Public Health Policy. Since then, the authorities appear to have simply turned the blind eye making this follow-up imperative. This follow-up report specifically examines the resultant oral health disparity between Nigeria's street children and Private, fee-paying secondary school students in Northern Nigeria.Methodswe conducted a cross-sectional comparative survey of randomly selected 12-14 years old street children (children of Quranic informal educational institutions) in Northern Nigeria while fee paying, private secondary school children served as controls. A simple close-ended questionnaire translated into Hausa language was used to assess oral health knowledge and the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index used to categorize oral hygiene status of the participants.Resultsthe mean age (SD) of the participating street children was 12.7 (0.86) while that of the private secondary school students (PSSS) was 13.05 (0.96). The majority (89%) of parents of street children compared with that (7%) of parents of students of private secondary schools had no western education. Only 6% of street children compared with 90% of PSSS cleaned their teeth for the right reasons. Only 5% of street children compared with 90% of private secondary school students used a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Though both groups of children have poor knowledge (street children 3%, private secondary school students 16%) on the use of dental floss, the mean oral hygiene score (SD) for street children was 4.42 (0.85) compared with 1.90 (0.09) for private secondary school students. There were striking differences in knowledge and practice with only 4% of street children compared with 69% of PSSS with knowledge about fluoride and its use (p < 0.0005). Also, 2% of street children compared with 40% of PSSS were aware of the benefits of regular dental visits. Sixty five (65%) of street children used finger and water only for tooth cleaning, none of the secondary school students practiced this (p = 0.0005).Conclusionthere is disparity in oral health practice between Nigeria's street children and private secondary school children. This disparity may be attributed to lack of western education and socio-economic status.

Validation of self-reported measures of periodontitis in a Spanish Population.

Use of self-reported questionnaires in Dentistry may be useful to estimate the prevalence of periodontitis in epidemiological studies. This study aims to assess the accuracy of self-reporting for predicting the prevalence of periodontitis in a Spanish population participating in a diabetes incidence study. Data were collected from 231 patients participating in the Di@bet.es study. Eight questions about periodontal health were included in a health patient-reported questionnaire. The outcomes from self-reporting were validated against a full-mouth periodontal examination. Multivariable logistic regression predictive modeling was used to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROCC). Self-reported gum health, loose teeth, tooth appearance, and use of dental floss were associated with different definitions of severe periodontitis. Correlations between responses to the questions were weak. The question "Do you think you might have gum disease?" combined with demographic and well-established risk factors resulted in an AUC value of 0.75, sensitivity of 75.2%, and specificity of 60.6% for severe periodontitis. The answer to 4 questions combined with age, educational level, smoking status, and tooth loss was 76.4% sensitive and 63.5% specific, with an AUC of 0.75 in predicting prevalence of ≥25% of teeth with probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥6mm. Predictive models, combining self-reporting on oral health status with demographic and risk factors, were useful for estimating the prevalence of severe periodontitis in the Spanish population.

Periodontal disease and associated factors in the adult and elderly population from Jundiaí City, Brazil

Aim: This study assessed the prevalence of periodontal disease in the adult and elderly populations from Jundiaí City, and its association with individual social inequalities in a conceptual framework approach. Methods: The survey was conducted with a sample of 342 adults and 145 elderly, and periodontal disease was assessed based on the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL). A questionnaire addressing socio-demographic and behavioral variables, smoking and diabetes was included. Bivariate and multivariate analyses, using binary regression analyses, were carried out in a hierarchical approach with conceptual framework to reveal association among periodontal disease and social-demographic, smoking and diabetes variables. Results: One adult and fifty-six elderly who had lost all teeth were excluded from the sample. Mild periodontal disease (CAL ≤3 mm) was the condition more prevalent in the adult (74%) and elderly populations (60.6%). Adjusted analysis revealed that low educational level (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.19-5.88), irregular use of tooth floss (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.06-3.40), and smoking (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.04-4.42) were independently associated with moderate/severe periodontal disease (CAL and Probing Depth ≥4 mm) in the adult group. For the elderly group, low educational levels (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.04-0.58), use of public dental service (OR 5.32, 95% CI 1.23-23.03), and diabetes condition (OR 3.78, 95% CI 1.20-11.91) were significantly associated with periodontal disease. Conclusion: In conclusion, the data showed that education level, smoking habits, diabetes, use of dental floss and type of dental service are factors associated to moderate/severe periodontal disease among Brazilians from Jundiaí City.

Oral Hygiene status among patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliance in the Department of Orthodontics in BSMMU

Background: Oral hygiene maintenance is difficult for patients who are receiving fixed orthodontic treatment.&#x0D; Objective: The aim of the study was to find out deterioration of oral hygiene status during treatment of fixed orthodontic appliances in the Department of Orthodontics in BSMMU.&#x0D; Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Orthodontics at Bang- abandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from July 2013 to July 2014. All the patients taking treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances for more than 6 months were included as study population. During treatment in the OPD all the information of the patients’ oral hygiene maintenance like brush- ing, dental floss use, use of mouthwash, and history of sugar consumption, taking sticky food were recorded. The Orthodontic Plaque Index (OPI) was calculated and recorded. In addition to that frequency of brushing, type of tooth brush, technique of brushing and inter dental brush were also considered.&#x0D; Result: A total number of 100 patients were studied. Mean OPI was 81.78 (22.97). Mean value of OPI was 86.35 (13.27) among patients who brushed their teeth once a day but it was decreased gradually as the patients increased frequency of toothbrush use per day and became 85.74 (±26.12) among the patients who brushed their teeth thrice a day. Mean value of OPI was 81.98 (±23.27) who did not use dental floss and 75.00 (±7.00) who used dental floss once a day. Mean value of OPI was 84.65 (±23.10) who used inter dental brush irregularly but 35.00 (±0.00) who used it thrice a day. Mean value of OPI was 85.70 (±22.43) who did not use mouth wash whereas it reduced to 46.00 (±0.00) among them who used mouth wash thrice a day. Conclusion: All the indexes of oral hygiene are increased in patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances in the Department of Orthodontics in BSMMU.&#x0D; Ban J Orthod &amp; Dentofac Orthop, April 2017; Vol-7 (1-2), P.16-19

Randomized Controlled Trial on Effects of a Brief Clinical-Based Intervention Involving Planning Strategy on Self-Care Behaviors in Periodontal Patients in Dental Practice.

Background: Strengthening adherence to self-care behaviors in patients with periodontal disease (PD) and reducing the plaque index is crucial for improving PD treatment. We evaluated the effectiveness of a theory of planned behavior (TPB)-based health education intervention involving a planning strategy on self-care behaviors in patients with PD. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted; 158 and 139 patients comprised the experimental group (EG) and control group (CG), respectively. Both groups received a leaflet, and the EG also received a planning intervention, which was a brief one-on-one counseling session with a planning sheet. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Between-group comparisons of TPB measures revealed significant differences in all domains when controlling for baseline covariates. The EG exhibited significantly higher levels of action and coping planning than the CG at two-week follow-up (effect size (ES) = 5.54 and 5.57, respectively) and six-week follow-up (ES = 5.66 and 5.66, respectively). Between-group differences in changes of brushing behaviors increased significantly. More frequent use of dental floss was observed in the EG than in the CG at two-week and six-week follow-ups (24.7% and 22.8%, respectively). Conclusions: The intervention involving planning strategy effectively promoted adherence to self-care behaviors in patients with PD.

Factors Associated with Tooth Loss in Postmenopausal Women: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Many studies have indicated that menopause affects periodontal health and tooth loss. The possible mechanism might due to several hormonal changes and low bone mineral density (BMD) during the transition period. However, few studies have explored the role of oral hygiene in the number of remaining teeth (NRT) in postmenopausal women (PMW). The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of and factors associated with NRT less than 20 in PMW. A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in coastal Yunlin County, Taiwan. NRT was calculated based on natural and filled teeth. BMD was detected by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the collaborating hospital. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with NRT in rural PMW. Six hundred and ten rural PMW with mean age 65.4 years enrolled in this study. The mean NRT was 17.6 (standard deviation [SD] = 10.4), with 43.9% having <20 and 13.9% edentulous. More than half (65.9%) reported that they seldom brushed their teeth after meals, 79.2% rarely used dental floss, and 80% did not regularly undergo tooth scaling by a dentist. The majority of women had low BMD, including 48.7% with osteopenia and 20.7% with osteoporosis. After adjusting for potentially confounding variables, NRT <20 was associated with infrequent tooth scaling (odds ratio [OR] = 2.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.70–4.56) and dental floss use (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.24–3.26), but not BMD. A high prevalence of NRT <20 was found among rural PMW, but poor oral hygiene rather than low BMD was the major contributing factor. It is an emerging issue for primary healthcare providers and clinicians to initiate oral hygiene promotion programs for these disadvantaged women.

Hyperglycaemia and factors associated with dental caries in immediate postpartum women

Objective: Dental caries and hyperglycaemia share common risk factors. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with dental caries in women in the immediate postpartum period. It also verified whether women with hyperglycaemia presented more dental caries than those with normal glycaemia.Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 297 women recruited from a teaching hospital in Brazil (from October 2011 to November 2012). Dental caries and oral biofilm were evaluated by oral examination. The blood glucose was accessed by Haemoglobin A1c test. Information on socioeconomic characteristics, harmful habits and oral health habits was also gathered.Results: More than half (66%) of the women had carious lesions. Univariate analysis showed no association between hyperglycaemia and dental caries (p = .39). The hierarchical logistic regression model showed that the following variables were associated with dental caries: maternal education level ≤8 years (ORadjusted = 2.40 [CI 1.19–4.82]), previous children (ORadjusted = 1.81 [CI 1.08–3.03), use of dental floss (ORadjusted = .48 [CI 0.27–0.86]), and visible plaque index ≥30% (ORadjusted = 1.83 [CI 1.05–3.20]).Conclusions: These findings call attention to the need to implement effective public policies directed at avoiding tooth decay in pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

Dental floss use among elementary school children and environmental factors; a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe onset of carious lesions and periodontal disease originates in plaque formed from dental bacteria. Appropriate plaque control is therefore important. Dental floss is one instrument used to control plaque. The influence of guardians is an important factor in whether children use dental floss regularly. However, the use of dental floss among school-age children and the relationship between use and family background has yet to be examined. AimIn this study, we conducted a questionnaire survey to examine rates of dental floss use and other related factors among elementary school children and their guardians. MethodsSurveys were sent to 298 guardians of children in grades 1–6 at an elementary school in Japan and 283 valid responses were received. Statistical analyses were carried out, with child’s use of dental floss as a dependent variable and grade, sex, guardian assistance with child's tooth brushing, frequency of child’s dental check-ups, and guardian's use of dental floss as independent variables. ResultsThe results revealed that 18.4% of children used dental floss compared with 52.7% of guardians, suggesting that the rate of usage among children is much lower than that among guardians. Logistic regression analysis further revealed that guardian's use of dental floss was significantly related to dental floss use among children. ConclusionThe guardian's use of dental floss was associated with dental floss use among their children in this group of Japanese elementary school.

Dairy Food Consumption is Inversely Associated with the Prevalence of Periodontal Disease in Korean Adults.

Dairy food consumption is known to be inversely associated with periodontal disease. However, there are conflicting results depending on the type of dairy foods. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between individual dairy food consumption and periodontal disease. A total of 9798 Korean adults, aged ≥30 years, who participated in the fifth and sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in this study’s analysis. Dairy food consumption was measured by the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Periodontal disease was defined as Community Periodontal Index score ≥3 in more than one of six sextants. Frequent intake of dairy foods (≥7 servings/week) was associated with a 24% lower prevalence of periodontal disease compared with never consumers after adjustment for age, gender, income, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, diabetes mellitus status, calcium intake, tooth brushing frequency, and use of dental floss (Odds ratio (OR)= 0.76, 95% CI = 0.63–0.91, p for trend = 0.052). Also, frequent intake of milk (≥7 servings/week) was associated with a 26% lower prevalence of periodontal disease after adjustment for potential confounders (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.61–0.89, p for trend = 0.022). Frequent consumption of dairy food including milk may have a beneficial effect on periodontal disease in the Korean adult population.

Comportamientos de salud bucal, lesiones dentales y conciencia del uso de protectores bucales entre una muestra de atletas portugueses: estudio transversal

Aim: To determine the oral health behaviors, the prevalence of dental injuries, the level of information about first-aid procedures in the case of dental avulsion and the mouthguard awareness in a sample of Portuguese athletes. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional research among 1,048 athletes from the district of Viseu, Portugal. A self-administered questionnaire included demographic data and questions about: I) oral hygiene habits, II) occurrence of orofacial trauma, III) use of mouthguards and IV) athletes’ knowledge regarding first-aid management in case of dental avulsion was given. The comparison between different variables was made by Chi-square test with level of significant set at p-value ≤0.05. Results: The mean age of the sample (76.24% male) was 18.14±8.17 years. Overall, the results demonstrated a low use of dental floss (25.48%) and a high number of athletes (21.94%) that had not visited a dentist in more than a year. The prevalence of dental trauma was 5.06% and the most common dental injuries experienced by athletes were crown fractures (60.38%). Nearly half of the participants (45.23%) reported not knowing how to act following a dental avulsion. The rate of mouthguard use was very low (9.73%). There was a significant relationship between the prevalence of dental injuries and the use of mouthguards (p=0.000; Cramér’s V=0.145). Conclusion: The prevalence of dental trauma in our population was low. A low number of athletes use a mouthguard and there is a lack of knowledge concerning dental trauma issues. Prevention programs and promoting actions among this population are important and should be adopted.

Periodontal health: A national cross‐sectional study of knowledge, attitudes and practices for the public oral health strategy in China

To assess the status of periodontal health knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among Chinese adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a nationally representative sample of adults (N=50,991) aged 20years or older from ten provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. Percentages of Chinese adults with correct periodontal knowledge, positive periodontal attitudes, and practices were estimated. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine the related factors. Less than 20% of Chinese adults were knowledgeable about periodontal disease. Very few (2.6%) of Chinese adults use dental floss ≥once a day and undergo scaling ≥once a year and visit a dentist (6.4%) in the case of gingival bleeding. Periodontal health KAP was associated with gender, age, body mass index, marital status, place of residence, education level, income, smoking status, and history of periodontal disease. Periodontal health KAP are generally poor among the Chinese adult population. Community-based health strategies to improve periodontal health KAP need to be implemented. Increasing knowledge of periodontal disease, the cultivation of correct practices in response to gingival bleeding, and the development of good habits concerning the use of dental floss and regular scaling should be public oral health priorities.

Oral health knowledge and practices of women attending dental clinics of Baghdad University

Background: Knowledge is considered to be essential for developing healthy practices and preventing the main oral diseases. In some developing countries, women were at higher risk to develop these diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate women’s dental knowledge and practices through a specific questionnaire and the relationship with patient’s educational level and the number of their children. Subjects and method: Women, aged from 25-35 years old, were selected to participate in the current study. They were attending dental clinics in the teaching hospital of Baghdad University. Each participant was instructed to answer questionnaire sheet which is previously prepared in Arabic language by the authors. The total number of women was divided into three groups according to women’s educational level and the number of their children. Results: The number of women that participated in the study was 150. Higher percent of them (58.7%) have received instruction on the use of dental floss but 60.0% had no information about fluoride. Dental floss was used by only 24.7% of women. Higher percent of women eat candies, chocolate bars and cookies in between meals. Significant association was reported between educational level and oral health information. Educational level didn’t influence patients’ health practices. Frequency of follow-up appointments and toothbrushes changes were higher among women with less number of children. Conclusion: The study revealed important gaps in oral health practices especially in diet control and the use of dental floss. There is a need for frequent dental educational programmes among women to promote the proper practices and to achieve good oral hygiene.

Oral hygiene and the overall survival of head and neck cancer patients.

Poor oral hygiene is an established risk factor of head and neck cancer (HNC); however, its role in the survival of HNC patients is unclear. This study evaluated the association between oral hygiene habits, including regular dental visits, frequency of tooth brushing, and use of dental floss, and the overall survival (OS) of HNC patients using interview data collected from 740 HNC patients. In addition, the interactions between oral hygiene and the polymorphisms of TLR2 and TLR4 on the OS of HNC patients were assessed. The analysis indicated that poor oral hygiene was significantly associated with poorer OS of HNC patients (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03‐1.86). This association was modified by a single nucleotide polymorphism, rs11536889, of TLR4. A significant association between poor oral hygiene and worse survival of HNC was observed among those with the CG or CC genotype (HR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.41‐3.82) but not among those with the GG genotype (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.65‐1.40). Our results suggested that poor oral hygiene is not only a risk factor but may also be a prognostic factor of HNC.

Effect of environmental and socioeconomic factors on the use of dental floss among children: a hierarchical approach.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of environmental and socioeconomic characteristics with the use of dental floss in preschool children. This cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 402 preschool children aged 1-5 years, from Santa Cruz do Sul, a Southern city in Brazil. Mothers answered questions about environmental, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics. Behavior variables as use of dental floss (study outcome) and dental attendance were also evaluated. Poisson regression analysis with robust variance through a hierarchical approach was used to investigate the association of explanatory variables for use of dental floss. Prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated. The mean sample age was 3.32 years (standard deviation [SD] 1.10). Of the included children, 291 (73.12%) did not use dental floss. The environmental model indicated that children who attended daycare (PR 2.53; 95%CI 1.39-4.60) and those whose parents were members of volunteer networks (RP 1.58; 95%CI 1.02-2.46) were more likely to use dental floss. Children from families with higher income (PR 1.55; 95%CI 1.07-2.24) and maternal schooling (PR 2.21; 95%CI 1.31-3.74) presented a higher prevalence of dental floss use. Older children and those who attended dental services were also related to higher dental floss use. Our findings suggest that children who live in a supporting environment and those with a higher socioeconomic status are more likely to use dental floss.

Predicting oral health behaviors among Iranian students by using health belief model.

INTRODUCTION:The aim of this study is assessing predictors to oral health behavior in Iranian students based on the health belief model.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This cross-sectional study was conducted on 416 (applying the statistical estimation) of fifth-grade female students of Tehran in 2016. Random cluster sampling method was used to recruit students. The inclusion criteria were being grade five female student (aged 10–12 years), and studying in governmental schools, and having a signed consent from the child's parent or legal guardian. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the variables that predict oral health behaviors.RESULTS:Overall, 416 female students were entered into the study. Of these, only 55.3% of the students reported that they were brushing at least twice a day, 22.4% were using dental floss at least once a day, and 23.1% reported checking their teeth every 6 months. The results obtained from the logistic regression analysis indicated that perceived self-efficacy, was the significant predicting factor for brushing at least twice a day (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.06–1.69, P = 0.012) and use of dental floss at least once a day (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.14–2.27, P = 0.007). Furthermore, mother's job predicted use of dental floss at least once a day by (OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.07–3.10). Perceived benefits were the significant predicting factor for 6 months check (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.14–2.77).CONCLUSION:The current study provides evidence oral health can be promoted by increasing perceived self-efficacy and enhancing perceived benefits in female students.

Efficacy of dental floss as an adjunct to toothbrushing in dental plaque and gingivitis: An open-labeled clinical nonexperimental study

Background: Periodontitis presents itself in the form of gingivitis or periodontal pockets/periodontitis. Gingivitis always precedes the later, but the reverse may not be true. Dental plaque is the primary etiology for chronic gingivitis. Hence, a regular cleaning is necessary especially in the interdental areas for the removal of plaque and to prevent gingivitis and periodontitis by means apart from the regular brushing. The most common and affordable ways of achieving this are through the use of dental floss. Aim: The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of flossing with a waxed dental floss apart from toothbrushing as an effective means to reduce gingival inflammation. Materials and Methods: The study was an open-labeled nonexperimental clinical study. A total of 60 adult patients between 20 and 50 years were selected and randomly assigned to 2 groups – one Group A with only manual toothbrushing (Oral B) and the Group B with manual toothbrushing (Oral B) and flossing with an unwaxed dental floss (Colgate). Both the groups were evaluated at baseline, after 14 days and after 28 days. Gingival index was recorded using the Loe and Sillness index while the gingival bleeding was scored using the Carter and Barnes Bleeding Index. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 20.0 (Chicago, IL, USA). Student's “t”-test was carried out. All P

Income inequalities in oral health and access to dental services in the Brazilian population: National Health Survey, 2013

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Despite the improvement in oral health conditions observed in the Brazilian population, there are still high social inequalities that must be monitored. Objective: To evaluate income inequality in oral hygiene practices, oral health status and the use of dental services in the adult and senior Brazilian population. Methods: Data from the National Health Survey conducted in 2013 (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - PNS 2013) were used for the population aged 18 years old or older. Results: Inequalities were found among the income strata in most of the oral health indicators evaluated. The greatest inequalities were observed in the use of dental floss, in hygiene practices (PR = 2.85 in adults and PR = 2.45 in seniors), and in total tooth loss (PR = 6.74 in adults and PR = 2.24 in seniors) and difficulty in chewing (PR = 4.49 in adults and PR = 2.67 in seniors) among oral condition indicators. The magnitude of inequalities was high in both groups in most oral condition indicators. Income was a factor that persisted in limiting access to dental services, and even the lower income segments had high percentages that paid for dental consultations. Conclusion: Based on data from the first PNS, the findings of this study enabled the identification of oral health and dental care aspects more compromised by income differentials, thus, contributing to the planning of dental care in Brazil and to stimulate the monitoring of these disparities with data from future surveys.

Oral Cleaning and Use of Dental Floss by Elementary School-Age Children

Oral Cleaning and Use of Dental Floss by Elementary School-Age Children

Oral health knowledge in relation to educational level in an adult population in Spain.

BackgroundTo analyze the relationship between oral health knowledge and educational level among an adult population in Spain, and between oral health knowledge and subjects’ oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, toxic habits, and oral quality of life.Material and MethodsThis transversal study used the Comprehensive Measure of Oral Health Knowledge (CMOHK) questionnaire to evaluate subjects’ knowledge and understanding of oral health, and the World Health Organization oral health questionnaire for adults to evaluate dietary, oral hygiene, toxic habits, and oral quality of life. Participants (n=400) gave their informed consent and data release permission before taking part in the study, which was approved by the University of Valencia Ethics Committee (certificate No.: H145160675341). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v22.0 software, applying Student’s t-test, ANOVA, and chi2 test, with significance set at p<0.05.ResultsOral health knowledge results were: low 41.5% and high 58.5%. An association was found between educational level and oral health knowledge (Chi2: p=0.000). Oral hygiene habits presenting an association with higher levels of oral health knowledge were dental floss use, a higher number of teeth present, and lower prevalence of partial prostheses. A significant association was found between oral quality of life and oral health knowledge.ConclusionsOral health knowledge is associated with the individual subject’s educational level. But oral health knowledge is not necessarily reflected in the practice of healthy habits. Key words:Oral health literacy, oral health habits, oral health knowledge, CMOHK.

Gingival Bleeding Index Status Among Orthodontic Patients Treated with Fixed Orthodontic Appliances in a Tertiary Level Hospital

Background: Oral hygiene maintenance becomes difficult during fixed orthodontic treatment.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess Gingival Bleeding Index among patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances in a tertiary level hospital.Metanitil and Methody: This study was conducted on 100 patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances for more than six months in the OPD of Orthodontics Department at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from July 2013 to July 2014. All the information related to oral hygiene maintenance like brushing, dental floss use, use of mout hwash during treatment in the OPD were recorded. The Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) was calculated and recorded. Apart from this, frequency of brushing, type of tooth brush, technique of brushing and inter dental brush were also considered.Result: Over all mean value of GBI was 23.44±17.00. Mean value of GBI was 26.44 ± 15.23 among patients who brushed their teeth once a day but it was decreased gradually as the patients increased frequency of toot hbrush use per day and became 11.55±4.71 among the patients who brushed their teeth thrice a day. Mean value of GBI was 23.46±17.18 who did not use dental floss and 22.85 (12.64) who used dental floss once a day. Mean value of GBI was 25.30±17.73 who used inter dental brush irregularly but 2.75±0.35 who used it thrice a day. Mean value of GBI was25.17±17.69 who did not use mouth wash whereas it reduced to 8.00±0.00 among them who used mouth wash thrice a day.Conclusion: The Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) is increased in patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances.KYAMC Journal Vol. 9, No.-3, October 2018, Page 129-132